Jets' Pay Cuts Foreshadow Big Offseason Move

The possibility of the Jets making a big offseason move is increasing rapidly.

Thomas Jones is on the way out. His $3 million roster bonus will not be paid.

Lito Sheppard will be following. His $10 million roster bonus will not be paid either. Don't let the door hit them on the way out.

With an uncapped 2010 season on the way, I started wondering why the Jets won't hold on to a running back coming off a career year and a veteran corner back who is better than anyone else on the roster (obviously excluding Darrelle Revis).

That's when I realized they might be clearing some space for someone with a big contract to come in. Who that player may be is unknown and I can only speculate as to what the Jets will do this offseason, but I'll offer some possibilities.

I mentioned in a previous article that the Jets should sign Antrel Rolle. As of now, they have been fairly quiet as to what Kerry Rhodes' fate will be, but if you hear anything about him being released, bank on a Rolle signing.

It can also be assumed that the Jets will replace Lito Sheppard this offseason. I can guarantee Dwight Lowery will not be starting across from Revis next season. So who will be?

I've already suggested trading for Nnamdi Asomugha (and I understandably took some heat for it), so all I'll say on that subject is that there is a remote chance that the Jets will trade for the Raiders' star corner back (who is on the block for reasons that I don't comprehend).

If not Asomugha, who? I'll tell you who: Dunta Robinson. He was not released by his team, so the Jets have some restrictions in terms of signing him. Depending on what kind of contract Lito Sheppard gets, the numbers could potentially work out in a way that the Jets could bring in Robinson.

I won't bore you with the math, but there is a chance that Robinson could be a Jet if they are interested. It won't be as easy as signing a RFA (who the Jets have no restrictions on), but it is still a possibility.

There is always the chance the Jets look into signing someone like Kevin Dockery. The Giants corner back is a restricted free agent and will be testing the market. This clearly contradicts the assumption that Gang Green is looking to make a big move, but I thought I'd cover all bases.